The Opening of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957

The world's longest suspension bridge opened in November of 1957, connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas.

As Governor of Michigan from 1949-1960, Justice G.M. Williams was there when the Mackinac Bridge was completed and opened to traffic in 1957.

Listen as he shares the dream of a span connecting upper and lower Michigan, details the obstacles that stood in the way and tells of the sacrifice and ingenuity that it took to make the span a reality.

Williams also reveals the reason why he did not accept the offer to be the first motorist across the connection and tells of the "heel and toe specialists that really ran away with the thing" at the first Mackinac Bridge walk in 1958.